‘It’s how God speaks to us’

The perceived voice and agency of God in Church of England primary schools

Bibliographic Data

ID20503901
AuthorsHuw Humphreys (0009-0006-1058-0784, World Religions and Education Research Unit, Bishop Grosseteste University, Lincoln, UK, corresponding author)
Year2025
Pages1-15
Publication date2025-01-02
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Beliefs and Values (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1361-7672 • E-ISSN: 1469-9362
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/13617672.2024.2442200
OpenAlexW4406042442
LanguageEN
References cited19

The idea of understanding the voice, agency or will of God in schools is seen by many as impossible or irrelevant since the Enlightenment. Nevertheless, the idea persists for some Christians in public service. Using a methodology admitting the possibility of God’s voice in the research process, I present a taxonomy of how God’s agency and voice might be understood, derived from interviews, with 33 adults working in or leading 8 Church of England primary schools. Depending on theological conviction, school role, and presuppositions specific to each participant, eight ways of understanding the actions and voice of God within Church of England schools emerged. Analysis of these themes and their reflection into participant experience demonstrates the low priority given to the Bible in discerning God’s will for them, the reliance on senses and emotions and the need for collaborative articulation of what it is God might be saying. A possible approach for those in such schools seeking to know what God might be saying to them is proposed, through the use of liturgies, the use of scripture in and beyond collective worship and mutual submission enabling Christians in schools to discern what they believe God might be saying or doing

Media studies · Political science · Social science · Sociology · Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology · Religious Education and Schools · Theological Perspectives and Practices

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